Swimming pools

Family travel expert Hannah Britt says it’s time to add Marmaris in Turkey to your bucket list. An untapped gem, it provides a mix of history and nature ideal for children to explore

From paradisiacal waters to fascinating archeology, it’s time to add Marmaris to your family travel plans. A bustling, energetic coastal resort on the Turkish Riviera, framed by pine-clad mountains and a turquoise ocean, it blends a lively party scene and child-friendly beaches with a historic old town and scenic natural bays. Having heard tell of the “Maldives of Europe”, I packed my factor 50, swept up my two children, and went to see what all the fuss was about. And I’m pleased to report that Marmaris did not disappoint…

What to see…

Amos Ancient City

Perched on a scenic headland roughly 24km south of Marmaris, Amos is an ancient Carian settlement tucked between the modern coastal towns of Turunç and Kumlubük. Historically part of the Rhodian Peraia during the Hellenistic period (dating back to around the 4th century BC), Amos served as a key fortified coastal city.

The ruins sit atop the pine-and olive-clad hill of Asarcık, offering sweeping, panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding bays. Despite its modest size compared to larger archaeological sites in Turkey, Amos boasts remarkable historical remnants. Its standout feature is a well-preserved ancient theatre capable of seating roughly 1,300 spectators, where visitor seating, orchestra floor outlines, and structural bases remain visible today.

Beyond the theatre, visitors can explore sections of fortified polygonal city walls with defensive towers, the traces of a Temple of Apollo, and ancient grave structures (necropolis) scattered across the slopes. Free to access and far less crowded than major tourist hotspots, Amos offers a quiet mix of history and natural beauty, accessible via a short uphill hike from Amos Bay.

Little ones: The walk up to Amos is easy, even for the littlest legs – and it’s well worth it for the view at the top. A wonderful place to sit and feel the history of the place.

Marmaris Castle

A visit to central Marmaris would simply be incomplete without seeing Marmaris Castle – a historic hilltop fortress that overlooks the scenic harbour and city beyond. According to the Greek historian Herodotus, the first fortifications on this site were built around 3,000 BC during the Hellenistic period. The current structure was largely rebuilt in 1522 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent as a military base for his campaign to conquer nearby Rhodes.

A French warship damaged part of the castle during World War I. Local residents lived inside the fortress walls until 1979. Following major restorations, it officially opened to the public as a museum in 1991. Archeological galleries feature Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine artefacts, including amphorae retrieved from local shipwrecks, tombstones, and the Apollo Altar frieze from Knidos. Ethnographic rooms display traditional regional items, local crafts, and everyday objects from the Ottoman period.

Little ones: A walk around the ancient stone walls provided reenactment fun for my little ones, who pretended they were soldiers defending their very own castle.

Honey House

The Marmaris Honey House (known locally as Marmaris Bal Evi) is a unique, interactive apiculture museum and visitor centre located in the tiny mountain village of Osmaniye, near Marmaris. Built in an eye-catching, honeycomb-shaped architectural structure, the centre serves to educate visitors on the rich history of Turkish beekeeping and to promote Marmaris pine honey, a distinct, world-renowned regional product. In fact, the surrounding Muğla region supplies roughly 92% of the world’s pine honey, with Marmaris accounting for 30% of that total.

Indoor and outdoor galleries showcase the complete journey of pine honey production. Visitors can view traditional Anatolian hives, a glass-walled observation hive to watch live bees at work, and modern centrifuge and transport tools. Dedicated spaces demonstrate how bee products like royal jelly, pollen, propolis, and honey are used for healing and health.

Little ones: It’s fascinating to see the bees in the glass-fronted hives, and my six year old loved spotting the queen. Almost as much as she loved trying the pine honey at the end…

Where to eat…

Orfoz

Orfoz Restaurant is a popular riverside dining spot located directly on the edge of the crystal-clear Azmak River in Akyaka, Muğla. Tables are set right along the riverbank under the shade of mature trees. Some tables even allow guests to dip their feet directly into the ice-cold Azmak River while eating. Diners can watch ducks, geese, and passing river boats turn around near the restaurant.

Known primarily as a fish restaurant, it features a large cooler/display cabinet where guests can choose their own fresh fish to be grilled to order. Orfoz also offers a wide variety of traditional Turkish cold and warm mezzes, unique salads, and small plates (such as pomegranate, plum and parsley mezze, and grilled onions with yogurt sauce). We had the grilled octopus, which was cooked to perfection.

Little ones: a gaggle of friendly geese and ducks provided endless entertainment while we ate in the shaded spot, coming right up to the kids to say hello.

DEDE

Dede Restaurant is one of the oldest and most respected family-run dining spots in Marmaris, located right on the historic marina. Opened in 1973, the name “Dede” (grandfather in Turkish) was chosen in honour of the family patriarch, Ali Denizelli, a local figure who lived to 104.

Currently run by the grandchildren and fourth generation of the founding family, it sits on the marina front and provides a great people watching spot and specialises in fresh daily seafood, signature Aegean mezzes, Mediterranean dishes, and classic Turkish options. An upscale yet casual waterfront dining with views overlooking the bay and boats. The people watching is sublime – better than TV!

Little ones: Children are welcomed with open arms at this Marmaris institution and the menu, in particular the seafood, is divine.

The day trip

Turkist gulet cruise

The highlight of our stay in Marmaris had to be the day we spent on Diva Deniz, a 29m luxury ketch-style traditional Turkish gulet available for private cruise charters. We were picked up from our hotel pier and taken on board for a spectacular journey around the bays near Marmaris. Once moored, we could jump in the beautiful water to snorkel.

The boat, run by Gulet Point, was stunning, with places to lounge in the sun and shade – and a delicious freshly cooked lunch served, with garlic prawns, pan fried fish and mezze. When I say we did not want our day on the Diva Deniz to end, it’s an understatement. The cruise allowed us to see the real beauty of Marmaris, and is something we will remember forever.

Little ones: A paddleboard provided on the boat was brilliant, allowing the kids somewhere to sit awhile and bob on the lapping water.

Where to stay

Grand Yazici Club Turban

The Grand Yazici Club Turban Hotel is a four star all-inclusive resort nestled where pine forests meet the Aegean Sea. It sits directly on a pretty sand-and-shingle beachfront with its own private pier; connected by a scenic coastal promenade to Marmaris. It’s big, with over 500 rooms, but thanks to its leafy setting, feels incredibly tranquil.

For the hungry, there are plenty of places to eat, from upmarket restaurants to chilled out cafes. A main buffet restaurant provides something for all tastes, from pizza to local cuisine, alongside specialised venues like La Querida Beach Club & Restaurant and the Italian à la carte restaurant Le Farfalle, plus dedicated snack, pastry, and ice cream shops.

When it comes to activities, you’re spoiled for choice with multiple outdoor swimming pools (including a main activity pool, relax pool, and adults-only sections), an indoor thermal pool, and a mini water park with slides. Elsewhere, there are two spas featuring separate Turkish hammams and saunas for men and women, plus thermal bath facilities and massage rooms. There are tennis courts, volleyball, a fitness gym, live music performances, and evening shows in the amphitheater too.

We stayed in a family suite, with shared access to a private pool. It was spotless, stylish and absolutely huge, with a comfy living room to read in when the midday sun got too hot. A beautiful terrace overlooked the sea, on which we were served a daily Turkish breakfast with a well made flat white. A brilliant want-for-nothing family hotel less expensive than many of its five star counterparts.

Little ones: There’s a dedicated kids’ club, children’s pool, playground, trampolines, and a mini football pitch.

Cost: Grand Yazici Club Turban Hotel room prices start from around £63 per night for standard bookings in low season, while complete all-inclusive holiday packages start from approximately £369 per person.

*For more on planning a trip to Türkiye, see Go Türkiye

Bruce Forsyth’s former Wentworth mansion, once shared with widow Lady Wilnelia, has reportedly been left empty and deteriorating years after she sold it for £5.7million

Bruce Forsyth‘s widow Lady Wilnelia has moved on from the lavish Surrey mansion she shared with the TV legend, but the once-glamorous property has reportedly been left abandoned.

The sprawling home, known as Straidarran, sits on the exclusive Wentworth Estate, where huge mansions owned by celebrities, sports stars and wealthy international buyers line the private roads.

Bruce lived at the property for decades before his death in 2017, aged 89, following a battle with bronchial pneumonia. Three years later, in April 2020, Wilnelia, 68, sold the mansion to a Bermuda-based businesswoman for a reported £5.7million.

But despite the hefty price tag, there appears to have been little visible activity at the property since the sale.

Locals say the home has been left largely untouched, with no obvious signs of residents or major refurbishment work.

Once the setting for Bruce and Wilnelia’s glamorous life, the mansion came packed with luxury features including a ten-seat cinema, swimming pool, tennis court, gym, library and wine cellar.

The gates still bear an “F” crest associated with Forsyth’s surname, while warning signs have been erected around the property.

One local said the situation was particularly unusual because overseas buyers on the estate often demolish older properties and replace them with new-build mansions.

“Normally overseas owners on the estate knock these old homes down and build a new one. So it is a very strange situation with Bruce’s old home, where seemingly nothing has happened since Wilnelia sold it six years ago,” they told The Sun.

The source claimed the only noticeable change had been the arrival of security following break-ins. They added: “The only thing I have noticed is that security is present there, the owners certainly aren’t, but that only followed break-ins.”

Security was reportedly stepped up after urban explorers targeted the property, with police confirming reports of break-ins to the publication.

Wentworth Estate manager James Perotin previously said the mansion was now being monitored around the clock. He said: “Security has been increased at Bruce Forsyth’s old house, there is now a van permanently on site, and it is monitored 24 hours a day.”

Perotin also suggested that some wealthy homeowners on the estate spend much of their time abroad, partly because of tax reasons, leaving some properties unoccupied for years.

Wilnelia, meanwhile, downsized after selling the family mansion and bought another home on the same estate for around £3million. The former beauty queen and Bruce were married in 1983 and remained together until his death.

Bruce, who entertained generations of viewers, became a household name through shows including The Generation Game and Play Your Cards Right, before becoming the face of Strictly Come Dancing. He presented the BBC dance show for a decade before stepping down in 2014.

Wilnelia, originally from Puerto Rico, was crowned Miss World in 1975. The couple shared a son, Jonathan Joseph, now 40, with Bruce’s entire estimated £15million fortune being left to his third wife rather than his six children.

In 2018, Wilnelia spoke about the final days she spent with Bruce before his death. She said she felt “lucky” that all the close family members managed to say goodbye.

In December, Tess Daly held back tears as Wilnelia sent her and Claudia Winkleman a sweet message before their Strictly Come Dancing exit. It was shown during the spin off show It Takes Two.

Tess had presented Strictly alongside Bruce from the show’s launch in 2004, with Claudia taking over in 2013. “Hello Tess and Claudia,” Wilnelia told the hosts.

“Sending you both my warmest wishes as you step into this exciting new chapter. Tess, you shared so many wonderful years on Strictly with Bruce and I know he would be so proud of you.”

She continued: “And Claudia, your sparkle and wit have brought so much joy to everyone. Thank you both for the laughter, the elegance and the heart you have given to the show.

“All my love and the very best for the future ahead.” Signing off on her husband’s famous catchphrase, she said: “Don’t forget, life is too short, so… keep dancing!” Tess replied: “What a woman! She’s just a goddess.”

Enjoy a two or three-night break sailing from Plymouth or Portsmouth to Santander with our great 2 for 1 offer

We’ve teamed up with Brittany Ferries to give readers a Spanish mini-cruise this Autumn and save pounds with an exclusive 2-for-1 offer.

We have two great offers with prices starting from as little as £49.50 per person* and both packages include en suite cabin accommodation and all port charges. You can travel from September 15 to November 2 with this great offer.

From Plymouth, sail on Brittany Ferries’ luxurious flagship Pont-Aven for two days and nights, with fine French food and wine served in elegant surroundings, a choice of bars with live entertainment, a large boutique with tempting duty-free prices, and even a spa and swimming pool. From Portsmouth, sail on the stylish and contemporary Salamanca for three nights, with the elegant Restaurant Azul, casual dining at La Taberna, the lively Plaza Mayor bar inspired by Salamanca’s famous city square, and a boutique with a great range of duty-free products.

En route to Spain, you can also spot wildlife. The Bay of Biscay is one of the most remarkable and reliable places to spot whales and dolphins in the world.

On arrival, both ships dock in Santander – the capital of Cantabria – with a little time to explore this vibrant resort city on foot. With tree-lined boulevards, elegant plazas, beautiful parks and a bustling town centre packed with shops, cafes and tapas bars, it offers a wonderful taste of northern Spain. Pont-Aven docks right in the heart of the city, with up to three hours ashore.

From Plymouth, departures operate on Wednesdays and Sundays. From Portsmouth, choose a Friday evening departure returning Monday, or a Monday evening departure returning Thursday.

HOW TO BOOK: Click here to take up this offer. The offer is subject to availability.

Terms and conditions

The 2-for-1 discount applies only during the promotional period.

The promotional offer applies to a round trip as part of one booking i.e. departure and return. Departing and returning to Plymouth or Portsmouth – Santander.

Plymouth departures: The £49.50 per person price is based on 3 or 4 people sharing a 4-berth inside cabin.

Portsmouth departures: The £64.50 per person price is based on 2 people sharing a 4-berth inside cabin.

Single supplement of £94.50 applies

The offer is valid for foot passengers only.

Travel period is September 15 – November 2, 2026.

Full payment is required at the time of booking. It’s non-refundable and no amendments to bookings can be made.

The offer is bookable via the website only.

The offer is subject to availability.

Brittany Ferries terms of business apply to all bookings. For more information, read the terms and conditions here

A summer trip to France ‘got worse and worse’ for one family as they were greeted by a ‘radioactive’ pool, a dead rodent, poison and broken furniture at their holiday home

What was meant to be a charming holiday home in France resembled more of a ‘horror house’, as a family trip went from bad to worse during a ‘hellish’ experience.

Richard Glendenning, who hails from London, travelled to France this summer for a holiday with his wife, her parents and their eight-month-old puppy. Wanting a quieter and more authentic experience, the couple booked a 10-night stay at an ’18th-century barn, with a private pool and sauna’ through Airbnb, nestled in a rural area of Bars in Bergerac.

Before they arrived, they were aware that the holiday rental was a little rustic around the edges, but at the time, it was all part of the appeal. It was only when they turned up at the property on Monday, 27 July 2026, that they realised it was far from what they had been expecting.

“It looked like a very lovely gîte (self-catering holiday home) online, I thought it’d be charming and nice,” Rich exclusively told the Mirror. “But it was in no way indicative of how hellish the experience was.

“It was actually two buildings next to each other that were part of the same space, and when we first arrived, it was filthy. It was the messiest place, and it looked like nobody had bothered to clean it for a year or so – it was awful.”

He continued: “It was like something from a film set, where you try and make a horror house with insects, cobwebs and spiders, everywhere. In the kitchen, the ceilings were fairly low, and I walked into one of those sticky tape things, covered in flies. There were flies everywhere, alive and dead.

“The bathrooms weren’t clean, and I had to use another bedroom in the other building, but when I went in there, I found a dead rodent, a rat.

“The towels were also tiny; you could barely wrap a toddler in one, and I had a white stain on mine. We were looking around, and in one bedroom, the owners had taken the bed from the mezzanine area, so there were just really horrible mattresses on the dirty floor, like in a squat.

“I walked through one of the bedrooms that was facing the pool, and instead of a bed, there were just stacks of wood pushed against the wall.” Rich added that they had arrived a “little bit early”, which had been previously agreed, and the cleaners did later fix the bed.

However, there were more surprises waiting. “The outdoor swimming pool was a comedy green, it was like a radioactive, glowing green colour, rather than a beautiful blue,” Rich revealed. “There was also a noisy filter machine, and there was an auto-motored machine going around, so that wasn’t done either. The owner had also removed loads of furniture from around the pool that were in the photos and advertised.”

Rich and his wife also spotted a “layer of scum around the edge of the pool”.

Rich and his wife had previously confirmed with the owner that their puppy could stay at the property, and the owner had agreed before their arrival. But the accommodation became worryingly unsafe for them and their beloved pooch.

“I saw this kind of gravel or type of salt across loads of the floors, and it was even across the dining table in the house. So I asked the owner, and she said, ‘Oh, that’s poison we put down’. She knew beforehand we were bringing a puppy, so that was unbelievably dangerous,” he said.

“We knew it was going to be rustic, but we thought we’d spend more of our time outside than in the house. But there’s rustic, and then there’s filthy, broken and items missing,” Rich’s wife added.

They also discovered that what looked like a microwave was actually the kitchen’s main oven, but the couple said, “You couldn’t even fit half a pizza in.” Rich’s wife said that the oven in the other building, which they were offered to use, was “so disgusting” and had “never seen something so dirty”, so they were left without an oven for a few days before it was cleaned again.

While they were caught off guard by the state of the property, the family decided to have some lunch outdoors near the pool on their first day. A platform area had been a “major selling point” for them because of the “beautiful views with a big table under some trees”.

In true French style, they laid out a “huge spread” on the outdoor table by the pool, with wine and cheese. “We put it all on the table, and it instantly collapsed. All the food and wine, everything went everywhere and broken plates”, Rich explained.

During their stay, Rich and his wife said they were in communication with the owner and Airbnb while documenting everything. “We were complaining and telling the owner what we found,” he said.

Airbnb confirmed that it has ground rules for hosts that make clear its expectations and the standards hosts must meet. If they fail to comply, Airbnb will investigate and take action, which may include removing the property from its platform.

“The owner was very responsive and trying to help, but she kept saying that it was her last rental and she’s selling the property,” Rich’s wife said. “She had given up on the property, really.”

To help with their issues, the owner said they could use the second building “freely”. However, this only revealed more, as it was “beyond dirty and dusty” and “uninhabitable”.

The couple explained that cleaners did return to clean the main property again during their stay following the complaints, but “didn’t do what they promised to do”. Although after two to three days, the pool was “back to a blue colour”.

The owner allegedly told the couple that before their arrival, she had around five 20-year-olds staying in the property and said that they had “left the place in a complete state, broken, and that’s why the pool was green.”

When speaking to the owner about the collapsed table, Rich said that the owner nonchalantly told them, ‘Oh, just take the table from the dining room in the house out there.’ He added that the owner had also told them she’d ordered new furniture, although it “never arrived”.

They were offered relocation by Airbnb, as all bookings come with AirCover, which means Airbnb will help guests find a similar place or issue a refund in the rare event that something isn’t as expected on arrival. However, because it was the peak summer period, they had two elderly parents, and one car that didn’t fit them all, they felt it wasn’t a realistic option for them.

Rich said: “The case was closed down without us being satisfied with any outcome”. Airbnb said it is providing feedback to the customer service teams that handled the case, as it did not meet their expectations.

In another turn of events, rain began leaking through the rental’s roof. His wife explained: “It was the final night in my bedroom, and thankfully, we weren’t in that room and didn’t have any lights on, but the rain flooded through the light socket.

“It went all over the bed. I had packed everything; my suitcase was open and directly under the flood. Every single item I owned was soaking wet.

“We were meant to drive back to the UK the next morning, but everything was wet, so I was desperately trying to dry everything before leaving, but didn’t manage to.”

After the ongoing ordeal of their accommodation, Rich said: “We need a holiday after the holiday. It just got worse and worse – it was hellish.”

A spokesperson for Airbnb said in a statement: “We are disappointed to hear about this experience and how it was handled. We have reached out to the guest to provide a monetary refund for the entire cost of their stay and are investigating the host.

“We have standards and ground rules for hosts, which require listings to be clean and free of health hazards, safety hazards and secure. While these reports are rare, we investigate and take the relevant action, which can include removal of listings from Airbnb.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Jet2 has issued a serious alert to holidaymakers

Jet2 has issued a warning to holidaymakers who have booked a certain type of hotel room, amid a very busy summer for international travel.

The operator took to X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday morning (August 18) to share some important safety guidance with those who will be staying in a hotel room with a balcony. Jet2 said: “Booked a hotel with a balcony? Follow the safety advice, avoid risky behaviour and keep an eye on friends who might be unsteady.

“Hotels can fine or evict you for unsafe behaviour – and your insurance might not cover balcony incidents. One slip can change everything.”

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) reminds travellers that Brits have been seriously injured, or killed, after falling from hotel balconies while abroad. Many falls involve alcohol and people are urged not to try to jump from balcony to balcony, or to climb up to get into their room from the balcony.

Holidaymakers should also never jump from a balcony into a swimming pool. FCDO guidance for Spain adds that hotels and other establishments “will evict you if you behave dangerously on balconies”. You could also get a fine.

The FCDO advises Brits heading abroad not to take any unnecessary risks around balconies or other elevated areas, especially while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. “If you are staying in a room with a balcony, follow the safety advice at the hotel or apartment, and watch out for friends who may be at risk.”

In certain areas, you could face a fine or be thrown out of your hotel if you are found to be acting irresponsibly around balconies. Your travel insurance provider may not pay out for incidents that occur on a balcony or if you were under the influence of drink or drugs when the incident took place.

The Mirror’s Stephen Jones and his wife Charlotte braved taking their five-month-old twins on holiday for the first time – and were blown away by the resort

A few months after our twins were born we were badly in need of a holiday… somewhere distant enough to guarantee sunshine but not so far as to become a nightmare journey with two five-month-olds in tow.

With a flight time of four and a half hours, Gran Canaria seemed ideal. What we didn’t appreciate at the time we booked is how brilliantly accommodating the TUI Blue Orquidea would prove to be for young families. I’m pleased to say that a week there completely reinvigorated us but also changed our expectations of what a family holiday could be.

Like many new parents, we were worried about flying abroad with babies whose very existence is based on a routine of feeding, changing, entertaining and sleeping on repeat. Packing alone felt like preparing for a military expedition but by the time we reached the boarding gate at Gatwick – each pulling a big suitcase and pushing a travel buggy simultaneously – we felt like accomplished war veterans able to deal with any situation.

And after arriving at the hotel in a prebooked taxi transfer of just 20 mins from the airport, all our other worries soon melted away.

Set right on the seafront in Bahia Feliz on Gran Canaria’s sunny south coast, the all-inclusive TUI Blue Gran Canaria immediately radiates a relaxed atmosphere. Instead of loud entertainment and crowded spaces, the resort feels spacious, clean and remarkably calm, something any sleep-deprived parent will appreciate.

Our room was bright, modern and comfortably large enough to accommodate two cots without making us feel as though we were navigating an obstacle course every time we walked across it. Having a balcony overlooking the sea quickly became one of our favourite places to relax after putting the babies to bed each evening. Early mornings with bottles in hand somehow felt a little more manageable while watching the sunrise.

Travelling with babies means your holiday revolves around their schedule rather than your own, but this hotel made that surprisingly easy. Staff couldn’t have been more welcoming, always greeting the twins with smiles and happily offering helpful tips whenever we needed.

Meal times were relaxed and there were wide enough spaces between the tables to manoeuvre the buggies. The buffet restaurant deserves particular praise for its generous choices, meaning nobody should ever struggle to find something they like – from fresh salads and grilled meats to fish, pasta and pizza cooked to order.

Although our twins were far too young to sample the menu themselves, we were able to easily grab things we liked to keep ourselves nourished while we fed them, and families travelling with slightly older babies and toddlers seemed pleased with extensive options.

Of course, five-month-old babies with priorities of bottles, naps and cuddles don’t care so much for infinity pools or cocktail bars, but the hotel’s peaceful surroundings ticked every box.

The swimming pools were spotless, with plenty of comfortable sun loungers available throughout most of the day. We quickly settled into a rhythm that revolved around popping to the air conditioned baby lounge with changing facilities a stone’s throw from the main pool after breakfast for nappy changes, feeds and a play before hitting the loungers. Its sister hotel next door the Playa Feliz, where your wristbands are equally welcome, has a bigger splash pool for toddlers with a huge shade screen and that’s where we spent many of our afternoons.

While you are essentially doing exactly the same as you would be back home looking after newborn twins with the endless cycle of washing bottles, laundry and trying to get them to sleep, those same routines somehow became more enjoyable against a backdrop of palm trees, warm blue skies and the gentle sound of waves.

The childcare offering at a TUI Blue is arguably beyond generous if you choose to get involved. There’s baby and tots club sessions which run twice daily for children aged 0-35 months with gentle play, songs and stories and there’s more lively 45-minute playdate sessions available. The organised Little Splashers or Little Ravers sessions are self-explanatory, but our twins especially enjoyed their visit to a Baby Spa for a sensory-led pampering session with soft music and calming lights they seemed to enjoy as much as the TUI reps holding the session.

Speaking of the TUI reps, you also have the option of leaving your babies with them for a couple of hours while you enjoy some me time on a sun lounger or even pop to the gym or Club Spa, which we both managed to escape to on occasion. The open-air spa pool is actually something of a hidden gem squirreled away at the back of this hotel, but boasting a fantastic array of hydrotherapy jets where you can relax while you gaze out at the Atlantic ocean. There’s a Finnish sauna, Hammam steam room and a sanarium – or you can just pull up a lounger and relax in the sun away from the kids.

A highlight of our week was a meal out at La Taverna a la carte restaurant which is included in the all inclusive package, where they serve a variety of vibrant tapas as you watch the sun go down; in many ways a kind of special evening out we would love but find hard to achieve at home.

We weren’t racing to tick off tourist attractions or planning packed itineraries, if anything we wanted to slow down and enjoy some relative peace in the sunshine, which we achieved in batches daily. We did day trips but we were more than happy to just recline on a lounger by the side of the pool with the babies and switch off.

For any parent wondering if their first overseas holiday with young babies is worth attempting, this hotel provides a reassuring answer. Its combination of comfortable accommodation, welcoming staff, quality food and peaceful atmosphere creates an environment where families genuinely feel supported rather than merely accommodated.

Our first holiday abroad with two five-month-old twins could easily have been unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. Thanks to the TUI Blue Gran Canaria, it became unforgettable for exactly the right ones – a sun-soaked reminder that life doesn’t stop when you become parents. It simply changes. We knew that having holidays after having children would be different, what we realised at the TUI Blue Gran Canaria was that it didn’t mean that they shouldn’t be relaxing.

• TUI offers seven-night holidays to Gran Canaria, Spain staying at the 4T TUI BLUE Orquídea on an all-inclusive basis from £900pp, based on 2 adults and 1 child sharing a twin room, flying from London Luton in August, and 23kg luggage per person and transfers included. tui.co.uk
• TUI Musement offers a Gran Canaria’s ‘Little Venice’ – visit Puerto de Mogan by boat from £45 per adult, £28 per child (3-12 years old) and children (0-2) go free. tuimusement.com/uk